P38 Hello from the Mumbles

Hi, I've owned my X reg P38 for last 4 years, but in the last couple of months, what appears to be the scurge of that model is draining the battery if not used daily. The EKA code is so fixed in my memory that I'm using it for my ATM code. I've changed the battery earth fitting to a quick release and have been isolating the battery with this method for the last couple of weeks, if I know it'll be standing for 2 days or more, and using the EKA to re-enable the key fob and reset the immobiliser.
Prior to the last disconnection I unintentionally superlocked it, but used the fob to unlock and silence the alarm on a couple of occasions where I opened the unlocked door before fob unlocking.
After the last disconnect due to flat battery (with bonnet up, drivers door open) upon reconnect, I'm now seeing "Key code lockout".
With thanks to all those that have posted in threads regarding this, I'm suffering the following symptoms and need your advice -
Prior to re-connection I connect the +ve and earth cables for c.30secs.
On battery reconnection the alarm system is armed (not sounding) visible by indicator flash and dashboard indicator.
Having now shut the bonnet (all doors closed)
The lockout message will disappear after 30 mins (with or without ignition key at pos 2).
I then enter my EKA (I've never seen flashing indicators to show the key turns, but EKA has worked in the past) with key one.
I'm using Key two in ignition.
If second key wasn't at pos 2, when I turn it to pos 2 the alarm goes off.
If second key was at pos 2, pressing Fob lock/unlock a number of times has no effect, if I try pos 3, alarm goes off.
I have tried reversing the EKA routine, but nothing.
My next move will be to call out an auto electrician who will hopefully have the necessary to re-sync Becm and immobiliser, but thought I'd ask you guys for your wisdom first?

Welcome to LZ

doriz said:

Welcome to LZ

Click to expand...

Cheers!

Welcome

Bet your wishing you joined months ago and sorted that battery drain

Best place is in this section

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/forum/range-rover.10/

The EKA wizards will help as will the battery drain exsquirts.

Good luck and chin up it’s all doable. I take it you have had a real good look and search because this problem comes up regularly.

J

marjon said:

Welcome

Bet your wishing you joined months ago and sorted that battery drain

Best place is in this section

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/forum/range-rover.10/

The EKA wizards will help as will the battery drain exsquirts.

Good luck and chin up it’s all doable. I take it you have had a real good look and search because this problem comes up regularly.

J

Click to expand...

LOL, got to admit, I thought the MOT cost would bury that worry, but it walked through again! (1100 miles in last year, bought as a launch vehicle for our boat)
I will check it out, thanks.

Boat thread by stealth @JohnM70 @Turboman ?

Oh no you mentioned the word BOAT

You know that’s an invitation to all sorts of fun

Edit (too slow for ^^^ )

J

Welcome to the forum

marjon said:

Oh no you mentioned the word BOAT

You know that’s an invitation to all sorts of fun

Edit (too slow for ^^^ )

J

Click to expand...

Would I have got away with it, if I'd used the word "yacht"?

Hippo said:

Welcome to the forum

Click to expand...

Cheers!

Mumbles, Swansea?

Your RF receiver is likely cause, you may also have dud batteries in your key also. What power battery do you have on vehicle and how old is it?

Hi, Yes, God's Country Assumed RF was origin of problem (after scanning this site) and hearing car locking and unlocking itself at random outside the back gate. Fob batteries seemed to be within tolerance at 3.0v, but intend to renew tomorrow to be sure.
Car battery renewed last month with 650a 75AH, same spec as 4 yr old it replaced. I was quite happy to unclip battery earth if no intended use for a couple of days, and EKA when I needed to use car. That has backfired somewhat!

Welcome to landyZone. If you see a big blue one about with crumples down one side, orange lettering and huge tyres from time to time, it’s me
I started off with similar issues.
Few things for you to look up in search bar/RAVE -

- what RF receiver you have (colour). Mine has blue dot (worst). I disconnected the receiver box, can still use fob close to vehicle, it stopped 99% of the drain as they pick up stray signals. There is a member here that supplies us with a version he makes when he has time.
- battery is small for what I would/do have. They will take 1000cca 120Ah, which is what I fitted to mine after sorting the issues that you have now (easier to find on dying battery). You should be okay for a while though if it starts okay. If battery goes low computer can throw ‘pretend’ errors and cause mayhem. Big battery sorted few of my issues, that weren’t really there.
- check owners manual for how to sync key with becm when in ignition. This may not work if there is a fault but may be easy fix, sometimes you need diagnostic
- random ‘ghost’ locking is usually faulty microswitches that would need to be replaced

Other than EAS, you want a nanocom diagnostic. There are other more expensive ones but generally most generic readers are not P38 compatible or will do little in reality.

Have a good read get your head around it then if you have any queries make a post/thread in the RangeRover section, majority of people won’t see here

Thanks for this, @RangeRoller dt, lots to digest.
Saw Rave mentioned earlier, had a quick look at comments of best site/dead links but haven't downloaded yet.
The "close to vehicle" workaround would suit me fine, once I get over this immobilisation. But have seen youtube vid of modded receiver.
I've seen the "pretends" - Gearbox fault was the one that got my attention. Not had a problem with normal situation starting until arrival of RF problem, but noted that bigger would be better.
I've been able to re-sync a number of times after intentional battery disconnect and EKA entry, but last successful seemed to trigger Superlock that didn't seem to clear despite Fob opening?
I'll research the microswitch issue. Ta.
Have been looking at the Nanocom webpages and simulator, if I'm sure that it will sort my issue, I'll ask Master of Coin.
Yes, as a newb, wasn't sure whether I should have expanded my Hello with my own thread. Lessons learned
Cheers.

Introduction is a sign of good intentions
Just few bugs to work through, they all have that even the good ones.

There is LZ map - shows you if anyone near you has a nanocom that will come and do it for you. Usually bribes of bacon sarnies/cake/beer do the job but not many out our way Or find a local garage that has one - they are expensive to buy.

Good luck

Welcome to the forum.
As you can see, people will literally fall over themselves to help you.
You're definitely in good company.
Keep yer chin up and happy motoring.